Johnson Finds A Home

Johnson was just one of the many animals at the Texarkana Animal Shelter. (Photo by Jathan Fink)

One of the great things about my job is that I get to use my platform as a journalist to help my community. Recently, I was called on to help an animal in our local kill shelter. 

Within the market of five radio stations I write and edit for, there is a DJ named Mimi McDaniel whose life is committed to rescuing pets and finding them homes. Whether it is one of the German Shepherds at the Muttley Crew dog rescue she operates out of her home or a  stray dog or cat picked up by animal control and held at the animal shelter, Mimi does her best to ‘Provide A Pet A Pad‘ each week.

Well, a couple weeks ago Mimi called me at the end of the day and asked if I could go to the shelter and find a dog to feature in her regular Tuesday segment. I juggled my schedule and headed over to the shelter and that is where I met Johnson, a sweet and handsome little Labrador retriever mix. I took him out in the play yard and spent time capturing the little fellow on film, then went home and wrote up a piece about him.

Unfortunately, not every animal featured in the ‘Provide A Pet A Pad’ segment finds its way to a new home. So I was totally thrilled to learn that within a couple of days Johnson was adopted!

Now I’m not completely certain whether or not it was my writing and photography skills which found my little canine friend a home, but I’d like to think that I had something to do with it. After all, Mimi came into my office to tell me that I had helped save a life that day. And I must admit, that’s a great feeling!

So here’s my plug for today: if you’re in the market for a great dog, don’t forget to visit your local animal shelter or rescue. Or, if you don’t have time to drop in one of those facilities, simply look through the profiles on Petfinder.com. There are tons of amazing pets of all kinds who really just want a family to love them. Give them a chance and they’ll reward you with years of great companionship.

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